Donald Trump has said he "hopes" the US doesn't go to war with Iran as tensions continue to escalate.
Asked if Washington was going to war with Tehran, Mr Trump told reporters on Thursday: "Hope not."
It follows the deployment of a US aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Gulf: prompting fears Mr Trump's administration is sliding towards war.
The White House has said there is an increased threat from Iran, though Mr Trump is reported to favour direct talks with its leaders rather than military action.
His comments came as he prepared to meet Switzerland president Ueli Maurer.
Switzerland, a neutral country, has historically been a liaison between the United States and Iran - which have no diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said Britain shared the White House's assertion of Iran's "heightened threat".
Following discussions with US counterpart Mike Pompeo, Mr Hunt said: "We share the same assessment of the heightened threat posed by Iran."
